Rickey’s Looking for Interns | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Rickey.org is looking for interns. Things have gotten busy and we need an extra hand!

What I need from you:

Enthusiasm. Very important.

Availability. I need someone everyday of the week from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET. “General availability” during other hours is a plus. Someone on eastern time is preferred.

Writing and Research Skills. Critical thinking is a plus. Humor is a plus. You must be able to write coherently. Focus will be on TV, Music and Pop Culture topics.

Computer Skills. You must have a computer at home with Internet access. Be able to screencap. Know basic HTML. I can teach you WordPress if necessary.

What you get:

Experience. If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a high-traffic blog, this is it. Rickey.org is visited by 1.3M readers every month and here’s your chance to get noticed.

If you are interested, please e-mail me at rickey at rickey dot org with some samples and a little about yourself. I will pick someone soon. I’m looking for at least two.

Note: I am also looking for recap interns for some shows in the fall. I actually need someone who loves Pretty Little Liars on ABC Family immediately. Please let me know if you’d like to be the “PLL Intern” or if you are interested in recapping.

Update: If you have submitted your application, please be patient. I will go through things over the weekend.

Beyonce is Back – The Making of a Concert Part 1 – Revel – Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Beyonce will be making her big performance comeback this weekend! She will take the stage at the new Revel casino and resort in Atlantic City for four nights of shows on May 25, 26, 27 and 28! In this behind-the-scenes peek, Beyonce reveals: “I haven’t sung in a year.” She gave birth to Blue Ivy in January and has since been laying low in the public eye.

We also get a look at her process as she puts together the concert, setlist and staging. So cool!

Watch:

Are you guys excited for BeyBey to make her big return?

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Didi Benami – Gasoline – Debut Single MP3 Listen | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

American Idol‘s Didi Benami has finally released her debut single! The singer-songwriter appeared on Season 9, and the new song hit iTunes on Wednesday. Haven’t heard it? Well, you can now listen to the MP3 before buying it. Yes, it’s that good.

The song delves into the raw emotions of heartbreak, and with Benami’s sweet vocals, the track drips with pain and regret. This self-released song appears on her upcoming yet-to-be-named EP — which is set to be released last this year.

She revealed to Buddy TV why it took so long and what the story is behind the song, saying:

“I have taken my time to kind of figure out where I wanted to go and find my footing. I got the inspiration from…a broken relationship I got myself into, and I knew I shouldn’t have, but I did it anyway. I ended up getting a really great song out of it. With this release, I’m releasing the heartbreak of that whole situation.”

You can purchase the single HERE.

Listen:

Here is a short clip on YouTube:

What do you guys think of her debut single? Good, right?

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The Chernobyl Diaries – Review | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

The first big summer horror release of the year, The Chernobyl Diaries is a fun and very eerie flick that will please many genre fans. I caught the midnight show last night, and the energy in the theater was overly enthusiastic. For the most part, it adheres to the cliches of horror, but many surprises are littered throughout in this disturbing take on “extreme tourism.”

In the film (directed by first-timer Bradley Parker, with a screenplay by Paranormal Activity writer Oren Peli as well as Shane & Carey Van Dyke), six tourists pay a guide to take them on a tour through the abandoned city of Pripyat. All the workers of Chernobyl and their families lived in this city when it had to be left overnight when one of the Chernobyl reactors exploded. While exploring Pripyat, they slowly realize that they are certainly not alone.

One of the things that surprised me most was the amount of character development in this film. It doesn’t just jump right into the killing or the action, there is a nice slow burn to it that really builds up tension well. Once it kicks into third gear, it becomes very fast-paced and creepy as hell.

Thanks in large part to the slow build-up, we really get to know most of these characters. My favorite was Jesse McCartney’s Chris, who seems to be sensible and not a complete moron, unlike his brother, Paul (played by Jonathan Sadowski). It was pretty cool to see McCartney in a big screen production and I particularly loved his acting once the proverbial shit hits the fan. Devin Kelley, who plays Amanda, was quite good as the artistic-girl-with-a-camera type. I thought every character contributed much to the movie’s success, and a large part of this is owed to Oren Peli’s script, I’m certain.

As far as blood and gore is concerned, there isn’t too much of it in the movie, which actually works. Sometimes it just isn’t necessary to see every character butchered beyond recognition, and the few nasty bits that are actually shown are really quite nasty. The makeup effects team really did their job here, that’s for sure. This also continues over into the “monsters” in the movie. Without spoiling anything, there are at least four different creatures you see in this flick. A small twist at the end gives you the slightest idea of their origins, but for the most part everything goes unexplained. In horror, sometimes the most terrifying thing is the unexplained, and the filmmakers sure take advantage of this trope by just giving the audience a small sample of answers. The ending is one of the strongest suits, which wasn’t exactly what I saw coming. There are more than a few surprises along the way, including too many jump scares to count and some creepy heart-in-your-chest scenes of suspense.

Personally, I loved this movie and it seemed as if the majority of the audience I saw it with did too. After Cabin in the Woods, Chernobyl is the best horror movie to hit theaters all year. It may not be overly graphic or violent, but the Chernobyl Diaries is a finely crafted and competently acted and directed horror film that any fan should check out. / Rating: A+

Jessica Sanchez could be paid as little as $30K for an album, if any – Report | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Runner-up contract disaster!

The AP reports that the American Idol Season 11 contracts have been altered drastically this year, and one of the most glaring is how the show treats the runner-up with regards to future albums.

Jessica Sanchez could earn as little as $30,000 if she ever gets to record one.

Season 12 is looking so bleak now, I want to cry. Damn you Nigel!

The report:

Via Yahoo:

Wednesday night’s runner-up, 16-year-old Jessica Sanchez, doesn’t have a definite shot at producing an album and could be paid as little as $30,000 in advances for recording singles, according to the “Idol” contract she and other Season 11 contestants signed earlier this year.

The agreement appears to be the first time in “Idol’s” history that producers are not offering the show’s runner-up an album deal that in previous years came with a guaranteed advance of at least $175,000, an Associated Press review of the Fox show’s contracts reveals.

The reduced royalty advance covers the period immediately following the show. In addition to recording new music, the series’ winners and finalists are obligated to perform in a concert tour and lend their likeness to a Walt Disney World Resort attraction in Florida.

If Sanchez is given an album deal following the show, she will receive the same $175,000 bonus that Lauren Alaina was paid after placing second in the show’s 10th season. But 19 Recordings Inc., which has the option to handle the albums and recordings of Idol contestants for several years after they appear on the show, has replaced a guaranteed album deal for the runner-up with a staggered “Development Period” that requires less music and pays out less in advances.

Sanchez could be paid as little as $30,000 if she is asked to perform four single songs, or $60,000 if she records an “EP” of between four and 10 songs.

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New ‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Contract Doesn’t Guarantee an Album Deal – Report | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

The journey to become a bonafide superstar may  become that much harder for American Idol Runners-Up in the future. Beginning this year, a new contract has been served up for the show’s contestants. Earlier this season, the contract second place finisher Jessica Sanchez and company had to sign states that if they did, in fact, make it to the finale, they would not be guaranteed an album deal.

Also, according to reports, this is the first time in Idol history that this has been the case. Previously, as in the example with last year’s Lauren Alaina, the runner-up was guaranteed a pay advance of $175,000. As is the case this year, regarding Sanchez, she could make as little as $30,000 in advance of recording singles. To replace an album deal, there will be a “Development Period” “that requires less music and pays out less in advance,” according to AP.

Sanchez might rake in $30,000 if she records four songs or $60,000 for an EP of four to ten songs. Whenever there is a minor involved, the court is required to review all material and terms of the signed contract.

Only time will tell if Sanchez signs a deal.

Via Associated Press

Photo Credit: Carin Baer / FOX

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Ratings: So You Think You Can Dance down 27%, beats Duets | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Ratings disaster.

So You Think You Can Dance had a 2.4 adult rating, down 27% from last year’s premiere. Duets had a 1.7 adult rating.

SYTYCD had 6.2 million viewers and Duets had 6.6 million — less than a repeat of the Big Bang Theory and Person of Interest.

Looks like this will be the only season of Duets for sure, so we must enjoy it while it’s here.

The rest of the numbers:

From TVbytheNumbers:

On FOX, the season premiere of So You Think You Can Dance earned a 2.4 18-49 rating, down 27% from last year’s premiere (which earned a 3.3 rating).

On ABC, the series premiere of talent competition Duets earned a 1.7 adults 18-49 rating. For comparison purposes, the opening episodes of The Voice and The X Factor earned 4.6 and a 4.4, respectively. Rookie Blue premiered to a 1.4 rating, which is down 13% from last season’s premiere.

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Dierks Bentley – Set Fire to the Rain – Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Country singer Dierks Bentley puts his own Bluegrass twist on Adele‘s monster hit “Set Fire to the Rain.” He recently stopped the the CMT studios to film a session for Unplugged — which will debut exclusively on CMT on May 29, 2012.

He’s a total WGWG, and if he had ever been on American Idol and did this, he would have won the show hands down.

Watch:

Photo Credit: CMT

What do you guys think of his version? Are you diggin’ it?

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Chris Brown – Sweet Love – Official Music Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Chris Brown turns up the heat in his brand new video for “Sweet Love.” The video features Breezy almost literally making love to a holographic woman as she wields her siren-like effects on him.

At one point, he makes his way down a street that is lined with white brass beds with unsuspecting damsels wrapped up in white sheets. As Brown makes his way down the rain-laden streets, the bodies rise into the air and follow him. Crystal rain-like particles fall around him and then the viewer is transported to his all-too-public lovemaking session.

Warning: Too-Hot-To-Handle

Watch:

Photo Credit: YouTube

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Kris Allen on ‘American Idol’: Maybe the Show’s Been Going on For Too Long | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

American Idol‘s Kris Allen was in L.A. yesterday. TMZ caught up with the guitar player to ask him whether he had seen the Season 11 Finale on Wednesday. Allen revealed that he did not watch it. Then one reporter commented about the ratings plummet and asked, “What’s going on?”

Allen replied, “I don’t know, maybe the show’s been going on for too long.” Ouch.

Watch:

Photo Credit: TMZ

Via TMZ

Do you agree with him? Has Idol been going on for too long? Sound off.

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Nick Jonas Covers One Direction & Bruno Mars – Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

In between Broadway shoes in New York City, Nick Jonas broke out hi s guitar to perform covers of One Direction‘s “What Makes You Beautiful” and Bruno Mars‘ “Just the Way You Are.” The screaming fans couldn’t get enough as they sang along to every word. He took a seat outside the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

First he sings “Love Bug” but then quickly segues into the 1D and Mars hits.

Watch:

Photo Credit: YouTube

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Brooke White Gives Birth to a Baby Girl – Photo | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

American Idol‘s Brooke White, 28, gave birth to a baby girl yesterday, May 24, in Los Angeles. This is her first child with husband Dave Ray.

The two decided to name the new bundle of joy London — after Ray’s family being from England. How cute!

The new baby girl camein at 6:41 p.m at 8 lbs. and 12 oz. White posted a video announcement of the big news back in December 2011.

Wow. A huge congrats to the new parents!

White took to Twitter this morning to share:

Meet my lil’ London girl… Born last night, 8lbs 12oz 20 inches! I can’t stop staring at her, she is perfec instagr.am/p/LDZ-YhRmEX/

— Brooke White (@brookewhite) May 25, 2012

Photo Credit: Instagram

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Flo Rida – Whistle – Official Music Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

In Flo Rida‘s new music video for “Whistle,” he takes to the beach with several bikini-clad women. He must be on vacation. The beautiful landscape is the perfect place to have a party, right? Decked out in nothing but white shorts and white sneakers, Flo Rida shows off his ripped abs and many tattoos. Of course, he always wears his gold chain and dark, mysterious shades.

After several shots of cliff diving and taking to the crystal blue waters, Flo Rida then hits up what seems to be a pretty wild party. Can we join?

Watch:

Photo Credit: YouTube

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Adam Lambert Doesn’t Have Anything Nice to Say About Clay Aiken – Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Thursday night, American Idol Runner-Up Adam Lambert made an appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens. As expected, host Andy Cohen had Lambert play a little “Plead the Fifth” — where he asks controversial questions and the player has the option to plead the fifth on all but one.

When Cohen asked to say “three nice things” about fellow Idol Runner-up Clay Aiken, Lambert had nothing to say. “Can’t think of any,” Lambert responded.

When prompted by Cohen — who then asked, “Want to plead the fifth?” — Lambert responded, “No, I just can’t think of any nice things.”

Watch:

Photo Credit: Bobby Bank/Getty Images, Frank Micelotta / FOX

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Prometheus – The Vision of Prometheus Featurette – Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Here’s “The Vision of Prometheus” featurette from the movie Prometheus.

“What I want to do is scare the living shit out of you,” says Ridley Scott. Yes! I hope it happens. The movie opens on June 8, 2012.

Watch the video here:

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Reagan Blood Auction Canceled, Levi Johnston Penniless | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Founder of Presbyterianism in America is Arrested! (Perez Hamilton)

Leaked: Britney Spears’ ‘X Factor’ rider (PopBytes) – Doritos, Diet Coke! (I guess she’s not drinking the Pepsi on the judges table)

Glenn Close talks about getting close to her first erection!!! (Seriously OMG) – ZOMG

Remaining webOS Team Headed to Google (PandoDaily) – Oh well. So it’s officially dead then.

Transparency Report (Google) – Pirates!

Reagan Blood Auction Canceled (Daily Beast) – That was such a dumb idea.

Levi Johnston penniless, living with his mom (MSNBC) – Nooo!

‘American Idol’ Finale: What Happened to the Donna Summer Tribute? (THR) – Time.

SpaceX Dragon Docks with International Space Station – Live Stream Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Here’s the live stream video of the SpaceX Dragon capsule docking with the International Space Station.

This is the first private space craft to deliver supplies to the ISS. History in the making!

Watch the video here:

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Britney Spears and Demi Lovato Intro – The X Factor – Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Yes!!! Britney!!!

Here’s the intro video for The X Factor judges Demi Lovato and… and… and… Britney Spears! I’m sure this will be posted officially on YouTube soon, but here’s an iPhone recording from the Austin, TX auditions.

OMG, this show is going to be so epic! I can’t wait. Audio clips from the auditions have already leaked and Britney walked off the set for an hour.

Watch the video here:

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Phillip Phillips – Tonight Show Interview – Video | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Phillip Phillips was on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to talk about his win on American Idol.

I loved how the band played Phillip’s “theme song” “Home” when he walked in. He’s so down to earth! I love it. He’s truly one of the best winners of this show ever. Go Phillip! Our American Idol!

Watch the video here:

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Jarell Rochelle – Audition – So You Think You Can Dance | Source: Rickey.org | The X Factor | The Voice | American Idol

Jarell Rochelle auditions for So You Think You Can Dance in Dallas.

His name rhymes! He’s dancing for his mother who is going blind. *tears*

Watch the video here:

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